Press Release: Historic Mobilization Demonstrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Power and Unity at the State Capitol
Over 100 Organizations Join Forces, Securing Legislative Wins in the Fight for Equity and Inclusion
For Immediate Release
May 5, 2025
CONTACT: media@apapa.org
SACRAMENTO, CA — On April 28, 2025, more than 100 organizations from across California came together as part of the California AANHPI Advocacy Day Coalition. (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Advocacy Day Coalition) — marking the largest statewide mobilization of AANHPI communities since the Stop Asian Hate movement.
This year’s Advocacy Day sent a clear message: Our Voices Matter. Diversity Matters. Community Matters. Together, the coalition reached 115 legislative offices in a single day, advocating for policies that protect immigrant families, improve language access, and invest in community resilience.
The coalition rallied behind five priority bills — AB 1242 (Nguyen) on language access, AB 1186 (Patel) to improve race and ethnicity data collection, AB 49 (Muratsuchi) to protect immigrant students at school sites, AB 863 (Kalra) on tenants’ language rights, and AB 590 (Lee) to fund social housing. Their advocacy made an immediate impact: within 48 hours, AB 1242 passed the Assembly Committee on Human Services with unanimous support, and AB 49 advanced from the Assembly Judiciary Committee on an 8–2 vote.
“As the daughter of Chinese immigrants and someone who’s dedicated my life to uplifting our communities, I’m deeply grateful to the hundreds of leaders who came to Sacramento to advocate for inclusion and equity,” said Mary Yin Liu, National CEO of APAPA. “Your commitment ensures that California leads with compassion — our voices matter, and together, we will be heard.”
“Thank you to the CA AANHPI Coalition for leading the amazing Advocacy Day! It was inspiring to see this coalition expanding with so many students and leaders across the state,” said Assemblymember Mike Fong, Chair of the CA AAPI Legislative Caucus.
“Our communities have endured attacks from the highest levels of government,” said Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen, Vice-Chair of the CA AAPI Legislative Caucus, author of AB 1242. “I’m grateful to those who stood up for language access and inclusion — California must lead with courage, and the fight is far from over.”
“AB 1186 is about making sure every community counts and gets the resources they need,” said Assemblymember Darshana Patel. “I’m deeply grateful to all the advocates who came to the Capitol for Advocacy Day — your presence and your stories are what drive this work forward.”
“As a proud Samoan-American and public servant, I know this moment calls for courage and unity,” said Papali’i Manufou Liaiga-Anoa‘i, Honorary Chair of the CA AANHPI Coalition. “I was proud to stand with APAPA and so many organizations to push back against a federal agenda that threatens our families and our future.”
“I’m joining over 100 AANHPI groups to call for dignity, language access, and immigrant rights. In a state where 27% of us are immigrants, our diversity is our strength — not something to erase,” said Dylan Morgan, an APAPA intern and California State University, Sacramento student.
The day began with a morning press conference and rally, followed by an afternoon with community leaders and advocates participating in legislative trainings, policy briefings, and advocacy visits across the Capitol. The day closed with a special Shining Stars Reception hosted by APAPA that brought together legislators, their staff, and coalition advocates.
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Founded in 2001, APAPA is a national community-based, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to increasing API civic engagement and leadership through voter education, public policy advocacy, and student internship programs.
